Fibre broadband link in 95% of Scots homes

MORE than 95% of homes and businesses in Scotland can now access fibre broadband, according to a digital broadband programme.

The Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) scheme says that combined with commercial coverage it has exceeded its target. The latest verified data show 95.5% of Scotland has access to highspeed fibre broadband and 92.7% of homes and businesses can receive a superfast speed of over 24Mbps.

Communities such as North Roe, Shetland and Whithorn, Dumfries and Galloway can all access fibre broadband.

The programme is led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the Scottish Government in the rest of the country. Funders include the UK Government through Broadband Delivery UK, BT Group and the EU via the European Regional Development Fund.

Connectivity Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Fast and reliable internet is fundamental for the future economic and social success of communities.

“This is a landmark for the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme, which has connected around 890,000 premises to fibre broadband and is ensuring Scotland offers world-class digital infrastructure.”

More than 890,000 premises now have access to fibre broadband. With extra investment the programme promises DSSB in every local authority area.

Robert Thorburn, fibre partnership director for Openreach in Scotland, said: “The challenge of delivering fibre broadband the length and breadth of Scotland is huge.”